Rivers State Governor Expresses Sadness Over Tragic Tanker Fire, Promises Support For Victims

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has expressed deep sadness over the tragic fire caused by a tanker carrying premium motor spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, resulting in severe injuries and loss of life, as well as extensive damage to numerous vehicles.

He remarked that he had promptly instructed relevant federal and state authorities to provide a full briefing on the unfortunate incident and to explore ways for the state government to intervene and mitigate the impact on the victims.

The incident took place on the bustling Eleme section of the East-West Road, specifically between Indorama Gate and Aleto Bridge, which is currently undergoing extensive reconstruction by the Federal Government.

Nelson Chukwudi, Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Governor, conveyed Fubara’s sadness over the distressing scenes witnessed during his visit to the incident site. The Governor was joined by the State Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, and the State Commissioner for Energy and Natural Resources, Mr. Uchechukwu Nwafor, on Saturday morning.

The Governor explained that he got a call from the Managing Director of Indorama Petrochemical and Fertiliser Company Limited in Eleme Local Government Area, informing him of the incident.

At the news of the incident, Governor Fubara stated that he immediately put a call to the security agencies and instructed that they visit the scene to take charge of the security of the area to avoid escalation of the situation.

Governor Fubara said: “We are here to see for ourselves and get a first hand information of the incident of what happened yesterday night.

“About 7.30 – 8pm, we got information of the gravity of the incident. I was told that it was caused by a tanker vehicle that was conveying Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

“In fact, I got the information through the MD of Indorama, and I immediately alerted the security agencies to make sure they take control of the security situation in the area.

“And from what we are seeing this morning, it was not a pleasant case. We recorded a huge number of vehicles being destroyed and lives lost.

Fubara explained that he had already requested the relevant government agencies to provide him a detailed account of their findings to enable the State Government take appropriate decisions and actions to significantly remedy the situation and reduce the negative on the affected people.

“I have already asked the relevant agencies to give us a full brief so that we can come into the situation fully by seeing to how much we can support the families that are bereaved, and also cushion the effect of the loses, which I believe, is no fault of a good number of them.

“We all know the situation of this road. It is really unfortunate. Most of our people, when plying this road, should ply it with caution.

“I believe very strongly that this situation would have been avoidable, if the motorists had behaved properly. But it is late already. The damage has happened. This is the situation we have found ourselves. We will see how we can control the aftermath,” he added.

He said: “We are here to see for ourselves and get a first hand information of the incidence of what happened yesterday.

“And from what we are seeing this morning, it was not a pleasant case. We recorded a huge number of vehicles being destroyed and lost.

“I have already asked the federal agencies to give us a full brief so that we can come into the situation fully by seeing to how much we can support the families that are bereaved, and how we can cushion the effect of the loses, which I believed is no fault of a good number of them.

“We all know the situation of this road. It is really unfortunate. Most of our people, when plying this road should ply it with caution.

“I believe very strongly that this situation would have been avoidable if the motorists have behaved properly.

“But it’s late. It has happened this is the situation we have found ourselves. We will see how we can control it.”

Send Us A Press Statement Advertise With Us Contact Us

 And For More Nigerian News Visit GWG.NG